We planted everything in our garden this year by seed and we only use all USDA organic seeds. Most, if not all of our seeds come from our local food co-op and give back to the community through shopping local. It's the first time that we've planted every plant by seed and we are so thrilled to see how many came up and are doing well. It's nice to see bees and other pollinators enjoying the flowers and blooms, too. Hopefully, we get a good harvest this year. I can't wait for the yellow squash to get ripe because nothing says summer to me like steamed yellow squash with butter, salt, and pepper. I can't cook well, but I can steam a lot of vegetables from the garden.
The weather has not been good this week either. Windy, and dry. It's weird to see the wind blowing and no rain, or any type of chill along with it. The trees have been getting a beating and it's supposed to rain a bit this coming week. We could sure use it. The wildfire in eastern Oregon has been contained, so that's good news. Oregon has been getting drier and drier as the years go on. When I first moved here, March 2004, it was always rainy and cold in the winter. Sometimes we got snow, but mostly large amounts of rain. Then in the summer it was hot, but not this dry hot. Only the last several years do I remember the grass being crunchy when you walk on it. It's just getting warner here; one reason I am a firm believer in global warming. Oregon should be proof that global warming does affect us on a large scale. The United States is now at over 5 million Coronavirus cases. In that short of time and that many lives, it's unbelievable. Just wear a mask and distance yourself from others when out. Here are five things this week.
1. This Sunset.
I've said it before, Oregon has some of the best sunsets I've ever seen.
2. This Videocall.
Coming back from the hospital this week, Skylar started a videocall with me to make sure I was okay. I had a panic attack and thought the pains were more intense than normal, and it scared me. I went in to get monitored to make sure it wasn't my heart causing it. I haven't been given the all clear with my surgery, so I panicked myself even more. But, everything checked out and again it was a panic attack cause by my anxiety. But, it was nice to see Skylar and Eleven and go home again.
3. This Selfie.
Trying to get better about this. It's hard.
4. This Moment.
I don't know what this is from, or even who took it, but the moment just makes me happy. Just the shear moment of being in the rain and enjoying the moment. May seem a bit hippie-ish, but nature does have a way of making us feel better.
5. This Rose.
Portland is known as the Rose City and even down south of Portland we get some of the best roses. I can't stand the smell of a rose, but I do love how pretty they are.
Positive affirmations this week:"What is one thing you strongly believe as a parent?"
Your greatest contribution to the world may not be something you do, but who you raise.
We've had some crazy wind this last week. A bit of rain, but mostly windy days. I woke up a few mornings in a row to the neighbor's trashcans rolling down the street. The rain yesterday was hitting the windows sideways. We always get some strange weather here lately. Mostly around June we get thunderstorms, so having this now is just bizarre. There's a wildfire that sparked from a fallen powerlines in eastern Oregon (Neals Hill Fire). As much wind as we've been getting here, it is worrisome. We've also have nine more deaths with the Coronavirus pandemic putting our state number now at 348 deaths. We aren't one of the higher number states, but it's still sad. Worldwide numbers are almost five million. That's unbelievable. Here are five things this week.
1. This Sky.
Wasn't kidding about the skies here lately. Storming, yet at time there's no rain, just thunder and lightning. I think the sky is beautiful, but with the lightning happening, it's causing me to have a bit more anxiety. Jeff is keeping us informed about anything that's immediate danger to us, at least.
2. This Kitty.
One thing we learned about Eleven over the past several years is that she is afraid, or startles easily by thunder. I don't think she knows what it is, so it puts her on edge. Every time there's a thunder sound, so stops, gets all tense, and looks around. We try to comfort her as much as we can, but we can only do so much. And, the thunder lately and the wind, as been loud. So loud it's even startled us a few times.
3. These Miles.
Logged more miles in this week. I can feel that I'm getting stronger every time I take a step out of the door. I am looking forward to when I can walk more, or run more, without feeling so tired afterwards. My surgeon said this is normal and should fade away with more time.
4. This Balloon.
Oh, how I love creepy things. When we were traveling along some back roads here outside the city, this balloon was traveling down the road. I loved how creepy it was and just had to stop and take some pictures and video of it.
5. This Sign.
Ridiculous. Even in jest, this is just wrong. Ace Hardware needs to do better.
We did get a chance to watch the SpaceX Dragon Endeavor return to earth and splash down in the ocean on Sunday (August 2), so that was really cool to be able to watch it live.
Positive affirmations this week: "What are some quotes that hit you hard and make you think?"
Oh, there's several:
1. "If you absence doesn't affect them, your presence never mattered."
2. "Once you start using your phone on silent mode, there is no going back."
3. "Stop waiting for everything to be perfect to be happy."
4. "If they do it often it's not a mistake; it's just their behavior."
Life at a "Swell's" pace is a lifestyle and travel blog chronicling the life and travels while living in Oregon's beautiful Willamette Valley. It is mostly written by Shelly HW. Click the image to learn more»
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